Matte quartz countertops are popular options for modern kitchens and bathrooms because of their elegant, subtle sheen and durability. However, proper cleaning is essential to maintain their flawless look. Cleaning matte quartz requires using the right products and techniques to avoid damaging the surface. With some basic knowledge, keeping matte quartz sparkling clean is simple. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for matte quartz countertops.

Choosing the Right Cleaners for Matte Quartz

The key to cleaning matte quartz is using only recommended cleaners that will not degrade or dull the surface. Avoid the following products:

Abrasive cleansers – These contain gritty particles that will scratch matte finishes. Examples include Comet, Ajax, and Bon Ami.
Alkaline cleaners – High alkaline levels break down sealants that protect quartz. Baking soda, ammonia, and bleach should be avoided.
Vinegar – Though often used as a natural cleaner, vinegar’s acetic acid can etch or corrode quartz over time.
Citrus cleaners – Acidic citrus juices in cleaners like orange, lemon or lime can damage sealants.

The safest cleaners for matte quartz countertops are:

pH neutral stone and quartz cleaners – Brands like Method and StoneTech are specially formulated at a neutral pH.
Dish soap – Mild detergents like Dawn are ideal for routine cleaning. Avoid ones with added bleach.
Hydrogen peroxide – At low 3% concentration, hydrogen peroxide disinfects without bleaching.

Always refer to your specific quartz manufacturer’s care guide for their recommended products. Stay away from anything abrasive or highly acidic.

Daily Cleaning of Matte Quartz Countertops

For regular maintenance, matte quartz needs little more than a quick daily wipe down. Follow these steps:

1. Remove all debris – Wipe away any crumbs or spills from the countertop with a damp microfiber cloth. This prevents abrasive particles from scratching the surface.

2. Wash with warm water and mild soap – Using a soft sponge or cloth, gently wash the quartz with warm water mixed with a couple drops of mild dish detergent or stone cleaner. Avoid using overly wet sponges that allow water to puddle.

3. Rinse and dry thoroughly – Wipe the surface completely with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spots. Microfiber cloths are ideal for a streak-free shine.

4. Re-seal any problem areas – Occasionally reapply quartz sealant to high use areas like around the sink if water is not beading. This adds protection.

Quick daily cleansing keeps matte quartz free of sticky messes that can adhere over time. Always use a soft touch to avoid scouring the delicate matte finish.

Weekly Deep Cleaning for Matte Quartz

In addition to daily maintenance, matte quartz should receive a more thorough cleaning session each week. Here’s how:

1. Remove everything from the countertop – Clear dishes, appliances, rags and any food items. You’ll need full access to the entire surface.

2. Prepare a bowl of warm water and dish soap – Select a mild detergent and mix a few drops into warm water. Avoid overly hot water that could potentially damage sealants.

3. Apply soap mixture to the quartz – Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently wash the entire counter with the warm, soapy water. Apply lightly without scrubbing.

4. Let soap sit for 3-5 minutes – Allowing the mild detergent time to lift dirt maximizes cleaning power without having to scrub aggressively.

**5. Rinse soap off thoroughly **- Wipe and rinse with clear water several times to remove all traces of detergent residue. Go over the entire surface to prevent streaks.

6. Blot dry with soft cloth – Carefully blot dry using a fresh microfiber cloth or other soft, absorbent fabric. Avoid abrasive paper towels.

7. Spot treat any remaining stuck-on messes – For stubborn spots, spray a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing.

8. Re-seal if needed – Reapply a matte quartz sealant along heavy use areas like the sink and cooktop edges for added protection.

Regular weekly deep cleaning removes grime that daily wiping may miss. Rinsing well and gently drying prevents water marks on the matte finish.

How to Disinfect Matte Quartz Countertops

Sanitizing matte quartz surfaces is crucial for eliminating bacteria that can harbor in kitchens and bathrooms. Here are safe methods:

Hydrogen peroxide – Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide and let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse and dry.
Dish soap – Washing thoroughly with warm water and mild detergent like Dawn has natural disinfecting properties.
White vinegar – Though not ideal for regular cleaning, full-strength vinegar temporarily sanitizes without etching if rinsed promptly.
70% isopropyl alcohol – Applying with a soft cloth disinfects quartz, but rinse immediately to avoid dulling the finish.
Disinfecting wipes – Look for brands formulated for stone and quartz rather than multi-surface wipes that may contain citrus oils.

When using any disinfecting product on matte quartz:

Spot test on an inconspicuous area first to check for any damage.
Limit contact time and rinse thoroughly.
Avoid letting disinfectants sit too long, which can etch the surface.

Regular cleaning with mild soap removes most germs, but disinfecting provides an added level of hygiene on quartz countertops.

How to Clean Tough Stains and Residue

Matte quartz is prone to showing fingerprints, grease marks, and sticky spills. For stubborn spots, use these techniques:

Oily Residue

Dish soap – Apply a small amount of detergent directly on the grease spot and allow to sit briefly before rinsing. The surfactants in dish soap cut through grime.
Baking soda paste – Mix with water into a spreadable paste. Leave on stain 10 minutes then rinse. The fine particles absorb oils.
Rubbing alcohol – Use 70% isopropyl alcohol applied lightly with a soft cloth. Rinse immediately.

Dried Food and Sauces

Glass cleaner – Ammonia-free types like Windex dissolve dried messes better than water alone.
Baking soda paste – The light abrasion lifts caked-on food but is gentle enough not to dull matte finishes. Rinse thoroughly.
White vinegar – The acetic acid in vinegar breaks up stubborn dirt. Rinse well and limit use to avoid etching.

Hard Water Marks and Soap Scum

White vinegar – Full strength vinegar applied and wiped off promptly removes water spots and soap residue.
Lemon juice – Straight lemon juice must be rinsed quickly to avoid damaging sealants but effectively cuts through soap scum.
Hydrogen peroxide – Spray on the stain, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse. Avoid using on white matte quartz as this can cause bleaching over time.

For tough cleaned-on stains, always spot test cleaners in an inconspicuous place first. Letting ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice sit too long can ruin matte surfaces.

Avoiding Damage When Cleaning Matte Quartz

Certain cleaning mistakes can ruin the flawless façade of matte quartz:

Never use abrasive scouring pads or powders that scratch. Soft sponges and cloths are best.
Don’t let spills sit. Acidic substances like wine, citrus or tomato sauces will etch if left overnight.
Avoid excessive pressure scrubbing. Let cleaners do the work, not elbow grease.
Don’t spray cleaners directly on vertical surfaces. Dripping can streak polished finishes.
Never use bleach, alkaline agents like oven cleaner or harsh chemicals that degrade sealants.

With the proper gentle techniques, cleaners and precautions, it’s simple to keep matte quartz looking like new without damaging the subtle matte finish.

Caring for Matte Quartz Daily

In addition to regular cleaning, implementing smart habits prevents damage and keeps matte quartz in tip-top shape:

Use cutting boards instead of chopping directly on the surface.
Keep countertops free of standing water that can mark polished finishes.
Run appliances like mixers on low speeds to avoid splatters.
Avoid exposing matte quartz to extreme temperature changes.
Immediately dry spills and stains to prevent soaked-in etching.
Re-seal high use areas around sinks every 6-12 months.
Avoid placing super hot pans or bakeware directly on matte quartz surfaces.
Don’t slide heavy appliances or objects that can scratch. Lift carefully.

With routine care and sensible precautions, it’s easy to maintain the like-new beauty of matte quartz surfaces for years.

Professional Matte Quartz Countertop Refinishing

If matte quartz eventually loses its flawless luster from etched marks or loss of sealant over time, professional refinishing can restore its original beauty. Refinishing involves:

Cleaning and inspection – All old sealant and grime is removed and the surface is checked for significant damage like cracks.
Targeted stain removal – Set-in stains that cleaning can’t remove are carefully treated with agents like hydrogen peroxide.
Polishing – Using specialty diamond-infused pads, light honing is done to smooth micro-scratches and restore the matte sheen.
Sealing – New protective sealant is applied evenly across the slab for stain resistance and renewed luster.
Finishing touches – A final buff and wipe down ensures the quartz gleams like new.

Professional refinishing services cost a fraction of replacing the countertop. Opt for companies using the latest techniques and equipment to avoid an over-polished shine. With the right care, a refinished matte quartz countertop looks pristine again.

Maintaining Matte Quartz’s Beauty

With knowledgeable care, it’s easy to keep matte quartz countertops looking as flawless as the day they were installed. Avoid abrasive cleaners and always use a gentle touch. Implement smart habits like cutting boards and prompt cleanup to prevent permanent damage. Professional refinishing can refresh matte quartz’s subtle shine if needed. By following these best practices, your matte quartz countertops will maintain their elegant, understated beauty for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Matte Quartz Countertops

Cleaning and caring for matte quartz countertops doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about keeping matte quartz surfaces sparkling:

What are the best daily cleaning methods?

For routine cleaning, wiping matte quartz with warm water mixed with a couple drops of mild dish soap or stone cleaner is ideal. Always use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, rinse completely, and dry with a fresh towel to prevent water spots.

How can I sanitize my matte quartz countertops?

The best way to disinfect matte quartz is to wash the surface thoroughly with warm, soapy water and rinse completely. For extra disinfection, wipe on 3% hydrogen peroxide, full-strength white vinegar, or 70% isopropyl alcohol and let sit briefly before rinsing. Avoid citrus and multi-surface cleaners.

What should I never use to clean matte quartz?

Avoid anything abrasive like scouring pads, alkaline cleaners like bleach, vinegar, citrus, and harsh chemicals. They can scratch, etch or dull the matte finish. Acidic substances should be rinsed off promptly to prevent damage.

How can I remove dried food, grease or soap scum?

For stuck-on messes, apply some baking soda and water into a spreadable paste and let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Pure white vinegar also helps dissolve stubborn gunk but must be washed off quickly. Use a soft cloth and gentle motions.

How often does matte quartz need to be re-sealed?

Reapply sealant around heavy use areas like the sink every 6-12 months. For entire countertops in good condition, a professional sealing every 3-5 years helps maintain optimal stain protection. Matte finishes usually need more frequent sealing than polished quartz.

Is it possible to refinish dull or damaged matte quartz?

Yes, professional resurfacing services can successfully restore the original matte finish. This involves deep cleaning, targeted stain removal, light polishing, and re-sealing the entire slab. Refinishing costs a fraction of replacement.

What daily habits prevent damage?

Always use cutting boards, promptly clean spills, avoid exposing quartz to temperature extremes, lift heavy objects instead of sliding, and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. With the proper gentle cleaning and care, matte quartz maintains its durability and understated elegance.

Conclusion

With the right techniques and care, matte quartz countertops will stay looking pristine and elegant for years. Always use recommended pH neutral cleaners and soft cloths. Implement smart habits like cuttings boards and prompt mess cleanup. For stuck-on grime, use non-abrasive solutions like baking soda paste or diluted white vinegar. Professional refinishing can rejuvenate worn matte quartz. Avoiding harsh cleaners and abrasion keeps the subtle matte finish flawless. Follow these tips and enjoy durable, head-turning matte quartz countertops.

How to Clean Matte Quartz Countertops